Medicines

Medicines help to prevent, treat or cure disease. Some are available over the counter, others need a prescription from a health practitioner. Find out what we’re doing to help make sure medicines in Australia are safe, good quality and accessible, and do what they say they will do.

About medicines

The different types of medicines and how they are classified.

What we do

How we make sure medicines are as safe and effective as possible.

Access to medicines

How you can access medicines and how we manage shortages.

Cost of medicines

How we keep medicines affordable for Australians.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises a large number of medicines to keep their cost down for Australians.

Read about the PBS

Biosimilar medicines

Some pharmaceutical companies make medicines that are very similar to existing biological medicines. These are known as biosimilar medicines. We have resources available to help you understand and have confidence in biosimilar medicines.

Biosimilar medicines resource collection

Medicines Line

1300 633 424

Contact Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE for information on prescription, over-the-counter and other medicines (including complementary medicines). Calls are answered by registered pharmacists. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST (excluding NSW public holidays).

Latest resources

Latest resources

COVID-19 National Health Plan – prescriptions via telehealth – a guide for pharmacists

Electronic prescribing was fast-tracked as part of the National Health Plan for coronavirus (COVID-19). This guide for pharmacists outlines arrangements available that will help patients receive medicines via telehealth services.

COVID-19 National Health Plan – prescriptions via telehealth – a guide for prescribers

Electronic prescribing has been fast-tracked as part of the National Health Plan for coronavirus (COVID-19). This guide for prescribers outlines the temporary arrangements available now that will help patients receive medicines via telehealth services.

Medicines cost less on the PBS

This PBS poster contains information about the recent PBS Co-Payment reduction.

Changes to the PBS – Information sheet for pharmacists and medical practitioners

This fact sheet for pharmacists and medical practitioners contains information about recent changes to the PBS.